brentwood.gov.uk

No large development in Blackmore Rural Areas

I was born around this area, and lived here all my life, my parents and grandparents had the local grocery store at Dines Corner Hookend. When we were here in the early days, none of the housing estates, really existed, it was all green belt, but over the years have witnessed the villages grown in massive numbers. Unfortunately the local services have not. I tried yesterday to obtain a doctors appointment, but none are available right up to Dec, unless classified as emergency. So even if 50 houses are allowed, that would mean mean at least another 50 patients, but possibly up to 400. Plus again at least another 50 cars. We lost I think two doctors last year, and so far these have not managed to be replaced. Parking in the village for the only shop available is non existent, as the tenants of the flat above the Coop park there, plus hairdressers, and Tea Rooms. Also even though there is a disabled ramp, a person in a wheelchair, or a scooter, would be unable to access the store, due to the fact the ramp is often blocked, and door is impossible to open due to the weight of it. We do have three pubs/restaurants in the village. so dying of thirst would not be an option, and I can also remember when all three public houses, enjoyed a good living, and were always full up with people, but that is not the case now. Also parking on the road, at times is dangerous, as you cannot see past the vehicles to see oncoming traffic. The school is at bursting point as well as the Deal Tree Health Center. I fully understand the need for extra housing, including affordable housing, as the young people who have grown up here, would never be able to afford property in this area. But I have also witnessed the large amount of building that has gone on in the area and surround areas. Gardens being sold off, office space turned into residential flats, it appears to be never ending. This also means that Brentwood itself is becoming gridlocked, with traffic, parking etc. and yet the High Street is disappearing before our eyes, with shops closing unless you need a Charity Shop, A bank or building Society, or a Beauty shop and Barbers and Eateries. Blackmore has always been part of the 5 Parishes, which were very Rural Areas, but no longer, as soon there will not be any Rural green spaces left
sincerely Janis Smith