brentwood.gov.uk

I agree that the Pre-submission Local Plan is sound and the Council has taken time to review evidence and consider public opinion.
In particular I support Policy R26: Land North of Orchard Piece, Blackmore to release site Ref: 076 from the Green Belt to provide new homes for first time buyers, for local residents and for those wishing to downsize without leaving Blackmore. The village will lose its vitality and potentially current services if it doesn't continue to thrive.
I moved to Redrose Farm in 1958 and thanks to my grandfather selling agricultural land that enabled the development of Orchard Piece, I was able to live in one of these new houses and remain close to my grandparents. Since there has been no new development in Blackmore for almost 50 years, I imagine many local people would want to be able to move to a new modern home and remain close to their roots.
The site North of Orchard Piece has good natural barriers and is only a short walk to the centre of the village. Redrose Lane represents the edge of the settlement.
I begun my career while resident in Blackmore and it is the resting place of my grandparents and uncle. I really believe that the release of this small site (1.52 hectares) would provide housing for at least 40, two-three bedroomed homes (the amended policy of 30 houses is not in line with national policy for a plot of this size). These numbers would add to the viability of services and new demand would lead to the improvement of transport links and facilities, which local residents acknowledge could be improved. These homes would be sustainably built and provide desirable places to live so I see this as a positive addition to the village.
This land has belonged to my family since 1956 and we have never experienced surface water flooding in this time. I understand that a development in this site will actually improve the water management in this area.
Over the years we had many developers approach us concerning our land. We thought long and hard about which developer we would trust to deliver a development that the village would be proud of. Locally based, Crest Nicholson has won national awards for the standard of its housing design and landscaping and has the expertise and capacity to deliver housing which is lacking in the local area.