Comment
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 14993
Received: 26/04/2016
Respondent: Mr and Mrs Simon and Jeanie Hughes
Number of people: 2
There is likely to be a continuing under provision of homes for the elderly as well as the young first home seekers. There are many large family homes in Brentwood and Shenfield that are now occupied by two people. The lack of quality homes in which they could downsize (and the badly thought out stamp duty tax) means many of the over 60s will sit tight whereas the town would be best served by accommodating their move and freeing up the family homes. This is not just about bungalows but apartments and smaller homes near services.
My wife and I attended the presentation evening at Shenfield Parish Hall and now respond to what we saw.
1. We accept the need for more housing as Brentwood's contribution to providing accommodation to the growing population and think this is best served by finding large plots where a cross section of housing can be offered
2. We therefore thought the option of Officers Meadow (near to us) and other such large sites should generally be supported
3. We have far more doubts about the large extent of 'fill in' housing that seems to be in the plan which should only be done if it does not change the character of the living conditions of those houses near to the 'fill in' plots
4. Specifically the plot off Priests Lane would seem likely to add to the already crowded road conditions in peak periods and, unless a solution can be found to that problem, be a poor choice
5. We are also very strong in our opinion that building housing should come with a plan for services. (I grew up in Chelmsford whose character was wrecked by house building fast out running the creation of services and leisure facilities).
6. In that context the plan to build football pitches for Hutton FC (I am not a member and have nothing to do with them) near to Officers Meadow is an excellent one but should be extended to build an all year round facility perhaps including cricket and tennis and even bowls for the summer to the assets are used fully
7. We also feel that there is likely to be a continuing under provision of homes for the elderly as well as the young first home seekers. There are many large family homes in Brentwood and Shenfield that are now occupied by two people. The lack of quality homes in which they could downsize (and the badly thought out stamp duty tax) means many of the over 60s will sit tight whereas the town would be best served by accommodating their move and freeing up the family homes. This is not just about bungalows but apartments and smaller homes near services
8. Lastly a specific point as you had a display about flooding. There is an underground stream under the Courage Fields that runs under the housing onto Chelmsford Road and leads to some flooding when rain is heavy (noticeable on the corner by the Vets). It is not yet a major problem but should be noted and nothing done to make it worse