Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4926
Received: 17/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Gordon Bird
Traffic density has increased over the years, making Brentwood difficult to traverse, enter or exit at certain times of day, such as school runs and rush hour. Traffic calming measures which have been introduced, slow traffic down, creating more congestion and pollution. There has been no significant road building. Cycling is dangerous and walking is unpleasant. An increased population will make this worse; I cannot see how this will be addressed by the Plan.
It is pleasing to see that the Brentwood Council are seeking views on the proposed Local Development Plan. However I found the documentation voluminous, full of TLA's and FLA's and generally difficult to read on line. Having said that I appreciate that developing a practical plan is a complex and difficult exercise.
What does come through is that Brentwood is going to be radically changed by the influx of new people from outside the area - particularly from London. Having lived in North Brentwood for over 40 years there have been many changes however this one will be more significant than those previous.
I have two major concerns that do not seem to be addressed in sufficient detail - transport and access to the green belt.
Taking transport first; Over the years traffic density has dramatically increased making it difficult to traverse or exit/enter Brentwood at certain times of the day - particularly during school time when Brentwood becomes totally clogged and the rush hour when, for example, Brooke Street backs up from the M25. To make the roads safer traffic calming measures such as mini roundabouts, pedestrian crossings have sprung up all over the place - slowing traffic to a crawl and creating high levels of pollution. There have been no significant road building. Cycling into town is dangerous and walking unpleasant and noisy. With the increased population the situation will get worse however I could not see how this was going to be addressed in the plan.
The green belt in and around Brentwood is a jewel however it appears the plan proposes building on it . Something I find difficult to accept. The documents do not appear to address access and use of the green belt in any detail. There are around 250 km of footpaths and bridleways in the Brentwood district which provide the public with access to a wide variety of attractive, quiet landscapes. I could not see where the plan addresses the impact of developments on this magnificent resource.