Object

Preferred Site Allocations 2018

Representation ID: 19387

Received: 12/03/2018

Respondent: Miss Vena Clark

Representation Summary:

Although the consultation document states that previous consultation responses have been taken into consideration no formal response has been given to the Priests Lane Neighbourhood Residents Association since March 2016. The sites are greenfield protected urban space sites and attracted a high number of objections but these sites are not mentioned - why is that? No evidence has been given as to why this site has been included. The local infrastructure is at capacity - roads, drainage, sewage, schools and GP surgeries. What has changed to allow this site to be included?

Full text:

Brentwood Draft Local Plan - Preferred Site Allocations. Re Sites 044/178: The document states that there has been a review of representations (Page 3 para. 5), but I understand there has been no detailed or formal response to representations made by the Priests Lane Neighbourhood Residents Association since March 2016. There is no evidence in the draft Plan that PLNRA responses to the plan have been taken into account. Although there are references to previous consultation exercises (Page 4 para. 7), there is not an up-to-date document detailing the representations made in 2016, other than a reference to the number of responses made. The document refers to protecting the Green Belt and only building on brown field land (Page 4, para. 9). However, sites 044/178 in Priests Lane are greenfield protected urban space sites and attracted a high number of objections but these sites are not mentioned. Why is this? Page 7, para. 18D refers to enhancing green infrastructure networks and improving the quality, range and connectiveness of the Borough's natural green assets. It is difficult to see how this objective will be helped by developing a protected greenfield site. There is no evidence as to why sites 044/178 are preferred sites (Page 6, para. 14). The site assessment appears weak with no evidence of robustness or balance. The original plan was for the development of 135 homes which has now been reduced to 95. However, the site is still unsuitable for this number of homes. Access is proposed via Bishops Walk which is really only suitable to service the few houses there. Air pollution - already high - would increase. It would be likely to generate another 150/200 cars trying to use Priests Lane increasing congestion which is already considerable at peak times. This would be in addition to increased traffic due to developments in central Brentwood and Officers Meadow. Priests Lane is very narrow and when walking down it is necessary to cross the road (more than once) to reach the pavement which itself is very narrow. It can be quite dangerous, particularly with a pushchair or wheelchair. It would become even more difficult with an increase in the number of cars using it. There seems little detail on infrastructure such as drainage and sewage in the area. This can already be a problem - there are frequently temporary traffic lights in Priests Lane due to one utility company or other having to undertake repairs. There would of course be increased pressure on doctors' surgeries and schools. It can already be difficult to get an appointment with a doctor; although the plan acknowledges this it is difficult to predict the actual need and is likely to be under estimated. When this land was previously considered for development the proposals were rejected as objections raised were considered reasonable. I understand that site 044 was considered too wet for development. What has changed? To develop the land now would undoubtedly affect the water table. Many residents in Priests Lane already suffer flooding in their gardens. No steps are proposed to prevent this problem becoming worse.